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Luis Rocha was attacked outside Campisi’s restaurant. Photo courtesy Rocha family.

A Lake Highlands martial arts school hosts a fundraiser to help ease the financial pains of the Rocha family whose patriarch — 70-year-old Luis — was viciously attacked outside Campisi’s restaurant on Mockingbird Lane earlier this month.

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Luis Rocha, a military veteran who served in Korea and Germany, nearly died from injuries sustained when three men reportedly beat him up as he exited Campisi’s, pizza in hand. Those injuries include multiple broken bones (back, ribs, collar bone and shoulder blade), a shattered jaw and face lacerations. He is recovering at Baylor and has felt well enough to do an interview or two, but he is still in bad shape.

“He can only use one eye and one arm but is thankful to have his two legs. Even though his body is still somewhat weak, his spirit is staying strong and he promises us that he will prevail,” writes Rocha’s son.

The medical bills keep stacking up, so the family started an online fundraising page.

The Lake Highlands RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu will host two seminars and raise funds for the victim.

The Lake Highlands RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu will host two seminars and raise funds for the victim. Photo from Facebook.

Neighborhood martial arts school RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu Lake Highlands will hold a Jiu-Jitsu seminar Jan. 31 and a Capoeira open roda session on Feb. 1. Enrollment is $40 and proceeds will go toward Rocha’s medical and related expenses.

The school’s head instructor Marcio Santos holds a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

The attack victim Rocha has Brazilian roots and is renowned in the country for his expertise in livestock and his role at American Genetics International, notes his son.

Police are still looking for the attackers and there is a $10,000 for information leading to an arrest (call Dallas Police at 214.671.3661).

RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu Lake Highlands is located at 10675 E. NW HWY Ste. #2400. Call 214.221.1977 for times and to enroll, or visit the Facebook page for more details.